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Contributing to local commerce isn’t new territory for the Howard family. In 1925, Edwin Howard’s in-laws founded a small grocery in Doraville, which he took leadership of 30 years later. After gaining experience in that business, he decided to expand the family’s venture, and in 1972, he opened the first Howard’s True Value Hardware right next door. Now, after more than 35 years and currently under the ownership of Howard brothers John and Doug, the hardware store keeps shelves stocked with more than 100,000 hardware items, tools, and home-garden accouterments from the likes of Carhartt and Honda, as well as charcoal grills from Big Green Egg, wood pellet grills from Traeger, and a line of propane grills with tanks they can fill in-store. For sports enthusiasts, they're an authorized YETI Cooler and Tifosi Eyeglass Dealer.

Building materials, including adhesives and mason tools, lighten the burdens of home-improvement projects, and a constellation of hand tools relieves the hassle of hiring a beaver to chew its way through 2”x4”s. A full stock of interior paints helps customers brighten the hue of living quarters, while a sturdy pair of jeans from Carhartt helps them to withstand the wear-and-tear of maintenance projects or slow dances with rose bushes.

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Handmade items always have a special quality about them. But add in beautiful materials, vibrant colors, and chic metallics, and you’ve got a dream come true for many. That’s exactly how I’d describe the handmade accessories brand, (r-ki-tekt). Designed and crafted by local artisan Kel Cadet, (r-ki-tekt) is truly a unique line of goods.
The brand came about after Kel graduated from SCAD right here in Atlanta. “I have always been interested in designing and creating fashion accessories,” she says. “Shortly after I birthed my daughter in 2008, I went through a period of not knowing who I was from a stylistic perspective. I also didn’t have the time to primp like I once did. I decided to create dual functioning accessories (brooch/hair combs).” And (r-ki-tekt) was born.
From colorful jewelry to card carriers, hair accessories and custom measure velvet belts, (r-ki-tekt) has the accessories sect covered. Kel says she prefers not to “put limitations on the materials I use to produce the accessories. I definitely feel more fulfilled when there is a hint of the unexpected.” She has even used plumbing hardware in a previous collection.
In addition to family life and the necessity to provide, being born and raised in Atlanta has also had an impact on (r-ki-tekt) and the direction the brand has taken. “I am so excited to be apart of this growing and thriving hub. From working with the Indie Craft Experience to attending events held by CAMP to sponsoring workshops like The BrandMarket Workshop and to simply hanging out with other like-minded creatives, I can feel the pot brewing and bubbling over for the creative community in Atlanta. There is only greatness ahead,” Kel excitedly shares.
And she’s right. The creatives in Atlanta are just getting started. With more and more festivals, craft shows and get-togethers arising every year, there’s always something to look forward to. Stay tuned to Groupon Atlanta’s Style & Beauty City Guide to keep you updated on all those events, as well as more Local Crafters.
Shop (r-ki-tekt) online at Kel’s Etsy shoppe and at Shop SCAD in Savannah & Baba Souk in Canada. Kel says she also plans to expand to more brick & mortars in 2014, so keep a look out for these festive accessories around Atlanta.
Photos by Johnny Cheng Photography.

There’s nothing better than finding that perfect item and paying close to nothing for it - even if it’s been used before. Sifting through piles of clothes and cracked china is part of the fun when it comes to shopping second-hand stores. Atlanta has no shortage of thrift stores. The city has everything from grungy, warehouse stores to curated, second-hand shops. Here are the ones worth visiting:
Second Life is located in downtown Avondale Estates in a huge, yet very well organized, 5,000 square foot building. It sells housewares and clothes and the owners recently opened up a second furniture store across the parking lot. Stop by the main store and stock up on glassware and great everyday dishes. If you’re looking for a classic coffee table or quirky couch, head across the parking lot to the secondary store. Bonus: a portion of every purchase benefits homeless dogs and cats.
Last Chance Thrift has four locations in Atlanta and no thrift store list would be complete without a mention of LC. This chain of stores is the “grungy, warehouse stores” I mentioned at the beginning of this article. LC is the type of store you visit again and again and then finally find the perfect white, porcelain cat that you’ve been looking for your mantle. Or if you’re looking for giant t-shirts to make t-shirt scarves during a crafternoon project, LC is the place for you. The prices are the lowest you’ll find anywhere.
Take a drive out to the suburbs and mine the Goodwill at Northlake. True story: my sister bought a Bottega Veneta purse at this location for $1.50. Enough said. In the same vein, you can also find some decent designer items at the Goodwill on Roswell Road.
Finders Keepers is by far the best second-hand shop(s) in Atlanta. There are four locations each with a different focus: fashions, boutique, menswear, and furnishings. These aren’t thrift stores, they’re second-hand stores, which means the prices aren’t the lowest in town. Nevertheless, you’ll still find great deals in these well-curated stores. The fashion shop carries brands like Banana Republic and J. Crew while the boutique in Decatur has designer items by the likes of Roberto Cavalli and Derek Lam. The furnishing shop carries a mix of traditional and mid-century items and rotates its inventory regularly.
Lucky Exchange has been an Atlanta favorite second-hand shop for years. It’s located in Midtown in a tiny storefront right next to Papis. The inventory is well organized and refreshed frequently. The men’s section has army surplus shirts and brands like Original Penguin. The women’s section has plenty of fun, vintage-y party dresses and funky jewelry. Head to the back of the store for the clearance and sales items first.
Honorable Mention:
Rag-o-Rama and Buffalo Exchange offer secondhand clothing for the Urban Outfitters set. The prices are reasonable, but more expensive than thrift stores and Lucky Exchange.

Well-regarded in Atlanta as the most desirable neighborhood of the city, Virginia Highland is a quaint, but lively area of Atlanta. This neighborhood is located just north and slightly east of Atlanta’s city center, with its heart on the corner of Virginia Avenue and North Highland Avenue. Here, you will find a wide selection of gift shops, high-end boutiques, delectable cafes and highly respected restaurants. Although every shop is worth a stop, there are a few places that must be highlighted.
Paper Source
This beautiful store has locations all over the U.S., but is certainly a favorite in Virginia Highland. The vibrant and colorful store is immediately aesthetically appealing with intricate detailing in the window displays. A step inside the door transports one to the colorful world of endless possibilities. Paper Source truly utilizes the multiple uses of paper to create stunning stationary, gifts, fun crafts and more.
Cacao Atlanta Chocolate Company
The name really says it all. Cacao focuses on one thing: the universally loved chocolate. From truffles (over 20 flavors of it!) to confections, this Atlanta Chocolate Co. takes the cake in the sweet treats department. Not only is their chocolate made from locally grown cacao beans to create the freshest, most deliciously enticing chocolate, but they also clearly put care in the packaging and presentation of their goods. Everything about Cacao’s chocolate is truly divine, making them the perfect delectable gift.
Dakota J’s
This cute store proudly boasts their title as Virginia Highland’s longest standing boutique. Since 1997, Dakota J’s has been selling stylish clothing, cute gifts and locally handcrafted jewelry. With a little bit of everything and not a lot of anything, this eclectic boutique offers something unique for each of their myriad of customers. From baby clothes to coffee mugs, Dakota J’s is your one stop shop in Virginia Highland.
310 Rosemont
When looking for an upscale, perfectly curated boutique in Virginia Highland, look no further than 310 Rosemont. This contemporary boutique offers high quality clothing, premium denim and remarkable customer service. Carrying well-known brands alongside independent labels, 310 Rosemont offers the best selection for your outfit styling needs. Head down the street to check out 310 Rosemont’s daughter boutique, Winter Wren. This fun and vibrant store is Virginia Highland’s newest boutique and offers a special Free People shop and a trendy selection of designer goods.
Virginia Highland certainly offers a wonderful selection of shopping destinations. This charming neighborhood is the perfect place to spend a day full of laughter and fun with loved ones. Take a stroll down the welcoming streets and enjoy the beautiful weather Atlanta brings year round.
All Photos by: Johnny Cheng Photography

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